Mel Gibson isn’t only starring in Lethal Weapon 5; he’ll also be directing the latest (and long overdue) installment of Warner Bros.’ hit buddy-cop action franchise. This is according to Gibson himself, who discussed the movie during this week’s Experience With… event in London and confirmed that he’ll be taking over from Richard Donner. Donner, who passed away in July at the age of 91, was responsible for all four of the previous Lethal Weapon films.
“He was developing the screenplay and he got pretty far along with it,” Gibson said according to coverage from The Sun. “And he said to me one day, ‘Listen kid, if I kick the bucket you will do it.’ And I said: ‘Shut up.’”
“But he did indeed pass away. But he did ask me to do it and at the time I didn’t say anything.”
“He said it to his wife and to the studio and the producer. So I will be directing the fifth one.”
Gibson is set to reprise his role of police officer Martin Riggs, but there seems to be some uncertainty as to whether Donald Glover will return. “It is hoped Danny Glover will come back to and reprise his role of Roger Murtaugh,” a source said.
Source: The Sun (via The Hollywood Reporter)